Award for brother and sister who helped save their dad's life

A BRAVE teenage brother and sister have been recognised at a national awards ceremony for the role they played in saving their dad’s life.

Harry, 14, and 16-year-old Eilidh Newton were awarded the Douglas Bremner Special Commendation Award by Douglas’ daughter Susan Redpath at the St Andrew’s First Aid Scottish First Aid Awards in Glasgow.

The siblings were at home in Dunbar with their parents Gregor and Judy when their dad suddenly collapsed.

Harry, who was 11 at the time, found him and shouted for his 13-year-old sister, who quickly called 999 and requested an ambulance.

Eilidh and Harry then headed to the nearby Royal Mackintosh Hotel for help while their mum, who is a nurse, started giving her husband cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

Dunbar Community First Responders (DCFR) arrived on the scene and shocked Gregor’s heart using an automated external defibrillator.

Gregor made a full recovery and later raised more than £14,000 through a Staying Alive Ball, with the money going to buy more defibrillators for the town.

In the two years since the event, Eilidh and Harry, who is in S3 at Dunbar Grammar School, have also helped front a national campaign encouraging people to learn CPR and to feel empowered to help someone suffering from a cardiac arrest.

S5 pupil Eilidh said: “My brother and I are passionate about sharing the message that CPR helps save lives.

“Our dad had been fit and well at the time of the incident so it just goes to show that this could happen to anyone.

“With our story we want to inspire other people our age to get involved and learn more about first aid training.”

The siblings also gave permission for the actual recording of their 999 call to be used in the campaign and took part in a video talking about their experiences.

The recording has been shared both nationally and internationally and has been viewed almost 44,000 times.

Stuart Callison, chief executive of St Andrew’s First Aid, said: “The courage shown by Eilidh and Harry is a shining example of how their calm reaction and swift thinking, during what must have been a terrifying situation, was undoubtedly vital in helping to save their father’s life.

“Furthermore, their willingness to share their experiences for the benefit of others should be highly commended.

“These awards are about recognising individuals and groups who have demonstrated extraordinary achievements through first aid.

“I hope that Eilidh and Harry will continue to be an inspiration to others and to help young people recognise the great value in learning first aid skills.”

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